Cody, Wyoming, is a great blend of wildlife, history, and outdoor adventure, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or casual tourist. Everyone wants a great shot of a bear or bison, right?

Meanwhile, inspired by the scenic beauty and rugged charm depicted in the Yellowstone TV show? Embark on a journey to Cody, Wyoming, where the spirit of the American West comes alive. In this guide, we’ll explore wildlife photography tips, historic sites, and outdoor activities that make Cody a must-visit destination.

Day 1: Arrival and Historic Downtown Cody

Morning: Historic Downtown Cody

• Sunrise: Head to Cody locals favorite spot, Heart Mountain for awe-inspiring sunrise shots.
• Back in town, have some fun with a leisurely photo walk through Cody’s Historic Downtown. Established in 1896 by William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, this area is a treasure trove of Western heritage, highlighted by some amazing western shops, historic buildings and fun places to eat. Sheridan Avenue is the main street. Don’t miss the Irma Hotel, named after Cody’s daughter, featuring a vintage ballroom and bar. (Come back at nighttime during the summer for a wild west gunfight recreation.)

Late Afternoon: Buffalo Bill Center of the West

• Explore: Spend the afternoon at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a complex of five museums that delve into the history of Buffalo Bill, Native Americans, and Western art. Photo tip: the Buffalo Bill statue is a winner, especially in the evening.

Day 2

All Day: Scenic Drive to Yellowstone East Entrance

• Drive and Explore: The 52-mile drive from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Entrance offers some of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas in the lower 48 states. Keep your camera ready for sightings of bears, bison, and foxes. Here a smartphone camera won’t cut it. You’ll need a big camera with a good zoom lens. For the PhotowalksTV episode in Cody, I used the Sony RX10 IV, with its 24mm to 600mm lens.
• How to find bears? Look for cars pulled over on the side of the road. And then once there, don’t get out. Local photographer Amy Gerber suggests shooting from your vehicle to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

Early Evening: Wildlife Photography

• The animals come out at night. This is your best opportunity for great shots.

Day 3

Additional Activities

Morning: Whitewater Rafting on the Shoshone River

• Get Wet and Wild: Embark on a whitewater rafting adventure. Use your water-resistant smartphone to capture splash shots and videos.

Afternoon: Biking and Hiking Trails

• Explore: Choose from various biking and hiking trails around Cody. Back roads offer unique photo opportunities; use a drone for stunning aerial shots.
• Evening: Rodeo Experience
  • Capture the Action: Cody, the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” hosts nightly rodeos in the summer. Secure prime seats for an authentic cowboy experience and practice action photography with a telephoto lens.
  • Skywatching: Set up a time-lapse of the incredible Cody skies. Use a tripod and your smartphone’s time-lapse feature to record cloud movements over 30 minutes.

Cody photo gallery